Sports/theme related body paint and applicator kit

ABSTRACT

A body paint and applicator kit includes a plurality of paint containers, each having body paint. The colors of body paint within the different containers are selected to match a selected sport team&#39;s colors or theme colors. Each container has associated therewith a body paint applicator, preferably made of sponge material, which covers an outlet of the container that is configured to selectively apply body paint to a skin surface. The kit may include containers that have lid-forming bases whereby the containers are stackable. The kit may also include body decorating accessories, including any combination of paint removal tissue, stencil, pencil for writing on skin, or sport-related or theme-based decals having an adhesive layer for placement on a skin surface. The kit includes a carrying case configured to hold the paint containers and accessories.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/209,516, filed Jun. 5, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to sports fan paraphernalia and/or children in the case of theme painting kits. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sports/theme related body paint and applicator kit.

[0003] For some time now, fans have attended various live sporting events and have sought out new and exciting ways to show support for their teams. A few of the ways that fans have chosen to show their team support have included displaying signs, balloons, flags, team jerseys, and other paraphernalia. Another common technique by which fans have shown their support is by wearing clothing that prominently displays their team colors.

[0004] Particularly, enthusiastic fans have more recently engaged in painting either their faces and/or other parts of their bodies with paint that is selected to match the colors of their team organization. Typically, paints that are made for face/body painting require the addition of water and the need for a paint brush for application. Fans, however, have encountered many problems with this type of face and body painting activity. For example, most paint is not intended for use on the body and can result in rashes and other skin irritations when the paint is used in this manner. Additionally, depending upon the amount of a person's face and/or body that is covered with the paint, it can be extremely difficult for a fan to get to the sporting event without smearing the paint all over themselves and others. Further, it is difficult for painting supplies to be easily carried and applied at the sporting event.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a continuing need in the art for a sports-related body paint and applicator kit that is convenient, inexpensive, and overcomes the disadvantages currently encountered with prior art devices. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention resides in a body paint and applicator kit whereby sports fan can paint or decorate their bodies in support of their sport team or children in the case of theme painting kits for parties, playtime etc. The invention is self-contained and does not require the addition of water or the use of separate paint brushes. The kit generally comprises a plurality of paint containers, each having body paint selected to match a selected sport team's colors or selected theme. The paint containers have a body paint applicator associated with them that will selectively apply the body paint to a skin surface. The kit also includes a carrying case configured to hold the paint containers and may include means for attaching the carrying case to an object.

[0007] The body paint applicator, preferably comprised of sponge material, covers an outlet of the paint container and will selectively apply body paint to a skin surface. The applicators may be circular and have a uniform surface. Alternatively, the applicators may have a non-uniform surface. The non-uniformed surface may be a raised center that forms an edge, which would facilitate the painting of letters, or it may be a particular pattern such as a logo.

[0008] A puncturable membrane preferably seals the outlet of each paint container so that the paint does not spill while the paint is being transported, but allows the paint to be easily accessed by puncturing the membrane.

[0009] The kit may include paint containers that have a lid-forming base whereby the applicator on the top of one base can be inserted into the lid-forming base of another paint container thereby making the paint containers stackable. A lid encloses the applicator of the uppermost paint container in the stack.

[0010] The kit may also include body decorating accessories, stored in the carrying case, including any one of a combination of paint removal tissue, stencil, pencil for writing on skin, or a sport-related or theme-related decal having an adhesive layer for placement on a skin surface, such as a temporary tattoo or sticker.

[0011] The carrying case may include a mirrored surface on an end thereof to aid the fan in the application of the body paint or body decorating accessories.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrying case of a kit embodying the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the kit of FIG. 1, illustrating a stack of paint containers in the carrying case;

[0016]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the stack of paint containers; and

[0017]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the component parts of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention is concerned with a body paint and applicator kit, generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and referred to by the reference number 10. In each of the illustrated embodiments of the kit 10, functionally equivalent components are given the same reference number.

[0019]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a paint and applicator kit 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention for containing, transporting, and applying paint to a person's face or body. The kit 10 preferably includes a carrying case 12, which has a detachable lid 14, covering an open end thereof. The carrying case 12 is configured to hold a plurality of paint containers 24 and any body decorating accessories included within the kit 10. Although not limited to such configuration, the carrying case 12 is typically cylindrical. The carrying case lid 14 preferably has an eyelet 16 formed thereon for attaching a loop 18, string, wire, chain, or the like, which will allow the kit 10 to be attached to an object such as a belt loop or around the neck of a sports fan. The loop 18, or other means of attachment, allows the kit 10 to be carried by an individual without the use of their hands. The string/rope 18 may be of any length so as to make a necklace, or bracelet for easy transport. Alternatively, the means for transporting the carrying case may include a clasp key-chain. The eyelet 16 is illustrated as attached to the lid 14, however, the eyelet 16 may instead be connected to any portion of the carrying case 12. The eyelet 14 helps to facilitate the connection of the loop 18 and/or a clasp (not shown) to the carrying case 12 or its accompanying lid 14. A whistle (not shown) may also be attached to the eyelet 16 or loop 18 for use in making noise during the sporting event. The loop 18 and clasp may be replaced or supplemented with other types of fasteners such as ties, snaps, etc. to meet the needs of the individual.

[0020]FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a plurality of paint containers 24 within a kit 10. The different paint containers 24 within a kit 10 have a predetermined amount of body paint that is selected to be the colors of a selected sport team. The carrying case 12 of the paint and applicator kit 10 provides for simple and convenient transportation and ready application of paint to be used on the face or body, preferably for sporting related events (i.e., football, basketball, car racing, etc.). Since most teams have two official colors the paint and applicator kit 10 typically contains two paint containers 24, each housing one of the team's two colors. However, many teams also utilize white as a third team color, and thus other paint and applicator kits 10 contain three paint containers 24 for the three distinct colors. The kit 10 may also utilize three paint containers 24 having three colors to represent the three colors of a national team, such as in the Olympics. Further, other embodiments of the present invention also contemplate the use of both more or less colors. For example, the invention may be designed as a children theme painting kit, such as a circus theme, car racing theme, animal theme, etc. Such theme-based painting kits could include five or more paint containers 24 having different colors that match the theme.

[0021] The paint container 24 has an applicator 26, which is preferably comprised of a sponge material 28. The applicator 26 can alternatively comprise felt, fabric or other type of paint delivery system. Typically, the applicator 26 is held in place with a ring 30 compressibly or threadedly attached to the container 24. The applicator 26 may also be configured to be removable, and serve as a cap. The applicator 26 is often circular and has a uniform surface. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the applicators 32 and 34 have non-uniform surfaced sponges. For example, the applicators 32 and 34 may have raised centers forming an edge of different widths, which will facilitate making finer strokes of paint on a body surface. Although not shown, it is anticipated that the applicator could be of a variety of different sizes and shapes to allow various application techniques. The applicator 26 may be removable and interchangeable with another applicator 26 so as to make broad strokes with one applicator 26, while making a thin line with another applicator 26 using the same color of paint within the paint container 24. It is also contemplated that an attachment (not shown) could be insertable over the applicator 26 so as to, for example, create a thin line of paint, even though the applicator 26 itself is broad and flat.

[0022] The ring 30 holds the sponge material 28 on the paint container 24 and allows for the paint container 24 to be opened, exposing an outlet 36. Furthermore, each outlet 36 may be sealed with a detachable, puncturable, or otherwise removable membrane (not shown), which will selectively allow paint to be urged through the lid and into the sponge, where the paint may be selectively applied to an individual face or body. The paint is preferably water-based and hypoallergenic so that it will not cause any unnecessary irritation to a person's skin. The paint container 24 is preferably cylindrical in configuration. However, the paint container 24 may be of any number of different shapes.

[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 2 the carrying case 12 may be configured to hold a stack 40 of paint containers 24. FIG. 3 shows a preferable arrangement of the stack 40 formed of a plurality of paint containers 24. Each paint container 24 in the stack 40 has a lid-forming base 42 whereby the applicator 26 can be inserted into the lid-forming base 42 of the above paint container 24, thereby allowing the paint containers to be interconnected to one another in a stacked configuration. The uppermost paint container 24 has a removable lid 38, which covers the applicator 26. The removable lid 38 may be circular or alternatively, may take a sportrelated configuration such as a football helmet, or other theme-based configuration such as a clown face or the like. The base of the paint container 24 may be configured into a stamp for imprinting images upon a body surface. Preferably, these stamps would relate to the sporting event or theme.

[0024]FIG. 4 illustrates a dual container 44 comprising two interconnected paint containers 24. The interconnection may be permanent by forming a central dividing wall 46 between paint compartments or detachable through a friction connection such as by mating threads. The dual container configuration 44 may be used independent of the carrying case 12 and may have associated with it the eyelet 16 and loop or chain 18 or 22 for attachment to an object 18, as described above.

[0025] The paint and applicator kit 10 may contain a mirrored surface to help aid a fan in application of the paint. Preferably, the mirrored surface would be on the inside of the carrying case end cap 20 or lid 14, although not limited to such.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the paint and applicator kit 10 may include other body decorating accessories to aid a fan in decorating his or her body in support of a sports team, or in the case of a theme kit, to decorate creatively for fun. The paint and applicator kit 10 may include pencils or markers 48 configured to write on a skin surface. The paint and applicator kit 10 may also include tissues 50. The tissues 50 are preferably treated with a substance to help remove paint. Another accessory may be a stencil 52. The stencil 52 could be of any design including a letter, star or a shape that relates to the sport being supported such as a football or a team logo. Other body decorating accessories may include a sport-related or theme-based decal 54 that has an adhesive layer for placement on a skin surface. The decal 54 may be a sticker or temporary tattoo and will preferably have a front side that includes a design that relates to the sport or team being supported, or theme of the kit 10.

[0027] The paint and applicator kit 10 of the present invention provides for substantial ease of operation. The paint and applicator kit 10 can be easily carried to and around a sporting event due to its compact size and its hands-free carryable nature. When the paint is desired to be applied, the carrying case lid 14 is removed, allowing the paint containers 24 to be removed. Before the first use of each paint container 24 the previously mentioned barrier which blocks the outlet 30, is either removed or punctured and the paint is allowed to flow into the sponge applicator 26. At this point, each paint container 24 can be used to deliver paint onto a person's face or body via the applicator 26 in much the same way a person would draw with a large pencil or marker.

[0028] A fan could also use the pencils 48 to draw words, color designs, or outline designs to be painted. Moreover, the stencils 52 can be laid over the skin thereby leaving skin exposed in the form of the stencil's 52 design. Paint from the paint applicator 24 is then applied to the exposed portion of the skin. The sports fan may need to clean off the body paint after the sporting event. Paint removal tissues 50 can be used to aid the sports fan in removal of the body paint.

[0029] The paint applicator 10 of the present invention can be similarly used by children for any given theme. The children can paint themselves, or others, by stickers, decals, etc., all according to the particular theme of the kit 10. The paint removable tissues 50 can facilitate the removal body paint from the children after playtime. Due to the fact that the kit 10 is self-contained, all of the components of the kit 10 can be easily stored.

[0030] Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sports-related and theme body paint and applicator kit, comprising: a plurality of paint containers each having body paint therein selected to match a selected sport team's colors or selected theme, and a lid-forming base; a body paint applicator associated with each paint container configured to selectively apply the body paint to a skin surface, wherein each body paint applicator is insertable into the lid-forming base of another one of the plurality of paint containers, whereby the plurality of paint containers may be stacked; a lid for enclosing the body paint applicator of the uppermost paint container in the stack of paint containers; and a hollow carrying case configured to hold the stack of paint containers.
 2. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the applicator is comprised of a sponge material.
 3. The kit of claim 2 , wherein the applicator is generally circular and has a uniform surface.
 4. The kit of claim 2 , wherein the applicator has a non-uniform surface.
 5. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the carrying case has a mirrored surface on an end thereof.
 6. The kit of claim 1 , including means for attaching the carrying case to an object.
 7. The kit of claim 1 , including paint removal tissues, stored within the carrying case.
 8. The kit of claim 1 , including at least one stencil, stored within the carrying case.
 9. The kit of claim 1 , including at least one pencil configured to write on a skin surface, stored within the carrying case.
 10. The kit of claim 1 , wherein an outlet of each paint container is sealed with a puncturable membrane.
 11. The kit of claim 1 , including sport-related or theme-related decals having an adhesive layer for placement on a skin surface, stored within the carrying case.
 12. A sports-related and theme body paint and applicator kit, comprising: a plurality of paint containers each having body paint therein selected to match a selected sport team's colors or selected theme, each paint container having an outlet sealed with a puncturable membrane and a detachable lid enclosing the outlet; an applicator comprised of a sponge material covering the outlet of each paint container and configured to selectively apply the body paint to a skin surface; at least one body decorating accessory, including at least one of paint removal tissue, stencil, pencil configured to write on a skin surface, and sport-related or theme-related decal having an adhesive layer for placement on a skin surface; and a hollow carrying case having a detachable lid and configured to hold the paint containers and at least one body decorating accessory.
 13. The kit of claim 12 , wherein the applicator is generally circular and has a uniform surface.
 14. The kit of claim 13 , wherein the applicator has a non-uniform surface.
 15. The kit of claim 12 , wherein the paint containers are configured to interconnect at ends thereof.
 16. The kit of claim 12 , wherein the carrying case has a mirrored surface on an end thereof.
 17. The kit of claim 12 , including means for attaching the carrying case to an object.
 18. A sports-related and theme body paint and applicator kit, comprising: a plurality of paint containers each having body paint therein selected to match a selected sport team's colors or selected theme, and having an outlet sealed with puncturable membrane and a lid-forming base; a body paint applicator associated with each paint container configured to selectively apply the body paint to a skin surface, wherein each body paint applicator is insertable into the lid-forming base of another one of the plurality of containers, whereby the plurality of paint containers may be stacked; a lid for enclosing the body paint applicator of the uppermost paint container in the stack of paint containers; an applicator comprised of a sponge material covering the outlet of each paint container and configured to selectively apply the body paint to a skin surface; body decorating accessories, including a paint removal tissue, a stencil, a pencil configured to write on a skin surface, and a sport-related or theme-related decal having an adhesive layer for placement on a skin surface; a hollow carrying case configured to hold the paint containers and the body decorating accessories and having a detachable lid, and a mirrored surface on an end thereof; and means for attaching the carrying case to an object;
 19. The kit of claim 18 , wherein the applicator is generally circular and has a uniform surface.
 20. The kit of claim 18 , wherein the applicator has a non-uniform surface. 